Photo: BEPZA

DHAKA, July 16, 2026 (BSS) - International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tunon has praised the workers' welfare facilities and labour management practices at the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (Dhaka EPZ).

He also expressed optimism that the long-standing partnership between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) would continue to grow stronger.

Tunon made the remarks after visiting Dhaka EPZ on Wednesday, where he reviewed various labour welfare initiatives and compliance mechanisms implemented by BEPZA, said a press release.

During the visit, he was accompanied by ILO Social Protection Project Programme Manager Saad Gilani and Senior Programme Manager Tanjilut Tasnuba. 

The delegation was received by BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain.

Officials of Dhaka EPZ briefed the delegation on the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019, the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Rules, 2022, occupational safety and health measures, workers' rights, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and welfare programmes.

BEPZA Executive Director (Enterprise Services) Md. Khorshid Alam highlighted the authority's labour-friendly policies, regulatory framework and compliance practices during an interactive session.

The ILO delegation also held discussions with representatives of Workers' Welfare Associations (WWAs), focusing on workers' rights, workplace conditions, grievance handling, social dialogue and the role of WWAs in maintaining harmonious industrial relations.

Worker representatives shared their experiences and highlighted the worker-friendly environment, welfare facilities and participatory industrial relations prevailing in EPZ enterprises.

To mark the visit, Tunon and representatives of the Workers' Welfare Associations planted an olive sapling at the Dhaka EPZ Zone Office premises.

The delegation also visited YKK Bangladesh PTE. LTD. and Shanta Industries Limited, where they toured production facilities, inspected daycare centres and interacted with management, workers and worker representatives to observe workplace practices, welfare initiatives and compliance standards.